Dog Parks by County

About Dog Parks

What is a Dog Park?

A Dog Park is an outdoor space, usually enclosed by a fence, that is used as a recreation area for pet dogs. In contrast to other public parks, Dog Parks typically allow dogs to be off-leash. In addition to providing dogs open space for exercise activity, Dog Parks are intended to provide opportunities for dogs to socialize with each other. Dog Parks tend to be fairly large, often one acre or more, in contoured areas on non-uniform shaped sections of land. Many have ponds or other water features, and some are furnished with benches, tables, agility equipment, and pickup stations.

Dog Parks are typically located on land owned by a county or local government, often as a dedicated area within a larger public park. In other cases, the land may be purchased by a citizens' group or donated by an individual, business, or organization for the purpose of creating a Dog Park. The maintenance and operation of Dog Parks located on public land is usually a shared responsibility between the county or local government and a citizens' group or non-profit established for that purpose. The county or local government will sometimes pay for water, electricity, and garbage removal from a Dog Park, while a citizens' group or non-profit provides regular cleaning, cutting of grass, repairs, and other maintenance activities.

Dog Parks usually operate with a set of rules with which visitors must comply. Common rules include restrictions on where dogs may be let off-leash, young children and puppies entering the Dog Park, and food that may be brought into the Dog Park, as well as requirements that owners be nearby with a leash, dogs must be vaccinated against rabies, owners must clean up after their dogs, and aggressive dogs may not use the Dog Park. Local regulations may specify the Dog Parks must be located on well-drained soil and near access to water supply lines. They usually may not be located within a certain distance of schools, playgrounds, athletic fields, or near sensitive wildlife habitats.